In fact, on July 22, Nimmons sent a letter to Commissioner Allen H. “Bud” Selig.

In the letter, Nimmons wrote, “I am seeking endorsement to dignify the Negro League with a proper name."

“Major League Baseball is not responsible for naming the Negro League," he said in the letter." But they are responsible for not integrating the Negro League into the annals of major league baseball.”

Nimmons said, “I asked him (Selig), if desegregation did occur, why is the Negro League yet a ship at sea seeking haven in a safe harbor?”

“Obtaining acknowledgement of this fact by the proper authority could prove valuable to Negro leagues and major league baseball,” Nimmons wrote, referring to possible future merchandising of products associated with the Negro leagues.

In the early 1920s, racism forced African American baseball players to form their own teams and engage in so-called barnstorming from state to state, from city to village, to play anyone who would challenge them.

The 1976 movie, “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” is loosely based on the barnstorming of the Indianapolis Clowns.

In 1920, Andrew “Rube” Foster, a former owner of the Chicago American Giants, along a few other Midwestern team owners, formed the Negro National League. Rival leagues formed and soon the excitement of black baseball was shared nationwide.

As for Nimmons, after his one-year contract was up, he enlisted in the U.S. armed forces. After that, Nimmons attended the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical Institute and earned a bachelor’s degree.

At the time, he could not find work in his chosen field. So, he decided to work at Ford Motor Co. in Avon Lake, from which he retired after 34 years.

Now, Nimmons is back to work, writing letters to Selig and local politicians to garner their support.

“I was trying to get an audience with (U.S. Rep.) Marcy Kaptur," he said. "I would like her to set up a bill to pass in Congress.”

In a return letter, Kaptur wrote, in part, “I am dedicated to making sure that (Negro League) pioneers are given their due, and that future generations understand the importance of the Negro Leagues, and the sadness of their necessity.”

Nimmons has yet to hear back from Selig.

Asked about Aaron, Nimmons said,“Hank was quiet and kept to himself. One time we were playing in Bluefield, W.V. He was watching me at bat, and came up to me and said, “How can you hit a ball so far?” Nimmons said with a laugh.